Alendronate

Question 1

What is Alendronate’s brand name?

Answer 1

Fosamax

Question 2

What is Alendronate’s therapeutic category?

Answer 2

Bisphosphonate

Question 3

What are Alendronate’s indications?

Answer 3

Osteoporosis
Paget’s disease
Glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis

Question 4

What is Alendronate’s usual adult dose?

Answer 4

Daily: 5-40mg
Weekly: 35-70mg

Question 5

What are Alendronate’s side effects?

Answer 5

GI upset (abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), headache, fever

Question 6

What are Alendronate’s monitoring parameters?

Answer 6

Osteoporosis, pain
Serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase, vit D levels
Bone mineral density

Question 7

What are Alendronate’s available dosage forms?

Answer 7

Oral tablet: 5mg, 10mg, 35mg, 40mg, 70mg

Oral solution: 70mg/70ml

Question 8

What are Alendronate’s counseling points?

Answer 8

Take with plain water (6-8oz) first thing in the morning, at least 30 min before first food, beverage, or med of the day
Stay upright for at least 30 min after taking drug and until forst food of the day
Avoid alcohol
Report signs/symptoms of bone (hip), joint, or muscle pain
May supplement w/ calcium or vit D